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Illuminati

Illuminati

2 8.8
A group of people seen as very smart and powerful in a field
  • noun
  • /ɪˌluːməˈnɑːti/
translation icon : élite
  • Many people believe that the Illuminati are influential figures who shape global politics and culture.

So in Roman times, Christian converts were illuminati because they had seen the light.

Examples

  • Nerval depicts his illuminati as an enlightened conspiracy of the elect, something along the lines of the Freemasons.

    Academic text (2005)
  • But I think everyone here knows that the "illuminati" trend has made waves online and TV.

    Blog text (30)
  • How can the illuminati disappear as long as you are always looking for them, wondering what they are up to?

    Blog text (34)
  • Some of you are driving yourselves crazy with all this Illuminati talk and conspiracy theories.

    Blog text (11)
  • Lisa and I met Elon Musk at an event that was as close to an Illuminati event as I've been to, actually.

  • The documentary explored the idea that the Illuminati are a group of highly knowledgeable individuals covertly guiding world events.

  • In discussions about conspiracy theories, some claim that celebrities often allude to the Illuminati to signify their elite status.

Synonyms

cabal
vsIlluminati
  • Formal
32 8.9

A secret group that plans together to gain power, often in politics

focuses on respected expertise and influence rather than secret plotting
secret society
vsIlluminati
24 6.3

A group whose members keep their identity and activities hidden from others

is seen as elite and influential rather than hidden

Surface Forms

Illuminati singular
Illuminatis plural

Etymology

Illuminati comes from the Latin root illumin- which means 'to light up' or 'make bright', the same root in illuminate and enlighten. So a group called the Illuminati is thought of as 'the enlightened ones', people seen as especially knowledgeable or influential.